Livingston ready to hit the ground running as next La Grange president

Former Village Trustee Tom Livingston is ready to hit the ground running as the next village president of La Grange.

Livingston, who previously served on the board from 2003-2011, is running unopposed in the April 9 municipal election. Despite a lack of opposition, Livingston is still engaging in retail politics, walking door-to-door and listening to the concerns of village residents. He recently earned the endorsement of the Citizens Council of La Grange, a residential activist group.

When he takes over for Elizabeth Asperger, the current village president, Livingston said the board of trustees will continue to build on the village’s strengths, “in terms of public safety and fiscal stability.”

“One of the hallmarks of village government is it’s productive and stable … it’s allowed for long range planning and thoughtful debate,” he said.

In addition to public safety and finances, Livingston said the board will continue to address stormwater and sewer concerns around town.

“These are multi-year projects that we will continue to monitor and make affordable,” Livingston said. “We’ve tried to comprehensively address infrastructure and the needs of the village.”

Livingston said he also wants to continue to encourage new businesses to come to La Grange in empty areas such as the old Rich Port YMCA building.

“We continue to have discussions of what could be developed on that site and what that opportunity brings,” he said. “I believe we have a lot of talent in this community … We can reach out beyond our borders and attract investments.”

When he left the village board in 2011 Livingston said he thought he might return to that body one day, but wanted to focus on his family and career with CFX Railroad. Two years later, he is the sole candidate on the ballot for village president. Although he was quick to say after making up his mind about running again that he would have mounted a campaign if he had no opponents or 10 opponents.

“This is a wonderful way to serve your community,” he said. “There are a lot of ways to serve, but this is the best way I believe I can serve. I believe in local government.”

Livingston said he limited himself to two terms as a trustee and speculated he would not serve more than two terms as village president, if he were to win a second term.

With only weeks left before voters head to the polls, Livingston said he will be proactive in meeting with residents and community organizations. Livingston said he also plans to maintain a policy of being responsive to citizens’ concerns and questions.

“It’s an honor to be on the ballot in La Grange. It’s not something I take lightly and I look forward to serving and working with the residents and business,” he said.